Austin, TX (PSF) - The USWNT has two more friendlies before the World Cup this summer. They will be playing Ireland in Austin, Texas, next month. The April Camp Roster was announced yesterday, with a few more surprises than expected.

For the first time in over a year, Julie Ertz is returning to professional soccer. Ertz last played for the Chicago Red Stars, but her Angel City FC holds her rights. Ertz was a free agent this NWSL off-season and has not officially signed with a team.

Fans were rightfully shocked to see Ertz’s name reappear on the roster. Certain American players, such as Mia Fishel, have been fighting to prove their worth to Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski but have yet to receive a call-up. 

In his press conference, Andonovski backtracked on his previous word that club play matters. Ertz has not played soccer in over a year but can get called back up at the drop of a hat. In contrast, other players can win championships with their club team and not get a second loo

Other notable returns include Tierna Davidson and Casey Krueger. Davidson is coming back after an ACL injury. It is not surprising to see her back. She was training with the team during the SheBelieves Cup. Krueger missed the 2022 season due to pregnancy. Sophia Smith is also returning for her first camp of the year. She was recovering from a minor foot injury in January and February but was back in form for the NWSL’s opening weekend.

Megan Rapinoe was among those left off this roster. She is dealing with a minor injury she picked up during practice for OL Reign. Rapinoe has not been at her best in the last few camps, dating back to last year. Her spot on the World Cup roster is almost guaranteed, but it’s debatable if that is the best use of a roster spot.

Other young players like Alyssa Thompson and Sam Coffey have gotten called up recently but have been left off this roster. It’s doubtful that they’ll make the World Cup, but they’ll be around for a long time.

It will be interesting to see how Julie Ertz performs following her long break from the sport. She deserves this roster spot if she can prove herself again, but she’ll have to excel.

The full roster can be found below: